In search of one moment in time

Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum. © Judy Mae Bingman

"At what point will I be content," my dearest friend asked.

We talked about dreams and plans and fate and dumb luck, all the while wondering when each of us would be able to say, "This is where I want to be."

Maybe we're reaching for something we'll never achieve. Maybe we're never meant to be totally content. Maybe it's that unsettled feeling which keeps us striving each day; maybe that's what makes us get out of bed each morning and do it all one more time, a little better than the day before.

Maybe.
Or, maybe contentment comes from making the most of where we are that day. Maybe that peace we're looking for is what we feel each night before we drift to sleep when we realize we lived the day the best we could. It may not have been great, may not have even been good, but it was our best effort.

Maybe.
Or, maybe, if we're lucky, there will be a point where everything lines up; where good is good and always good and always right there at your side.

I hope.

A firefighter from the area spoke at a state 4-H awards ceremony, and he said it much better than I ever could.

"We are all moving toward that one moment in time where you're more than you thought you could ever be."

That's what I want. I want to be more than I ever thought I could be, and, more importantly, recognize the moment when I get there.

• I want more contentment than I ever thought I would have.

• I want to love more than I ever thought I could and be loved more than I ever dreamed possible.

• I want more laughter than tears.

• I want comfort without extravagance.

• I want more friendships than one lifetime can fill.

In The Bridges of Madison County, Clint Eastwood turns to the woman he loves and says,

"It just seems like everything I've done up to this point in my life has led me here."

That was his one moment. I believe here is the place where all the twists of my life have taken me, and it is a good place to be.